HE Interior Minister orders to impose entry visa on citizens and residents of Qatar

In relations with the Cabinet order in the session held on Monday, October 30 and chaired by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on measures include tightening entry and residence procedures in light of the current security requirements. The Kingdom of Bahrain has decided the imposition of visas to preserve the security and safety of the country, starting from Qatar because the Kingdom of Bahrain had been affected most by its policies.

Therefore, His Excellency Interior Minister, Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa held a meeting, in the presence of HE Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, in which HE Interior Minister ordered to impose entry visa on citizens and residents of Qatar. He highlighted that obtaining entry visa requires applying in accordance with the instructions mentioned in the Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (NPRA) website.

The procedures aim to protect the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially with the latest implications of the crisis with Qatar, including Qatar’s decision to strengthening its ties with Iran, which has negative effects on the national and regional security. Qatar also shelters security fugitives and has facilitated the entry of individuals of different nationalities who represent threats to the national security of Bahrain by granting them exception from the issuing of entry visa.

HE Interior Minister issued ministerial order No. 167 of 2017 that states: First Article, the imposition of an entry visa to the Kingdom of Bahrain on citizens and residents of the State of Qatar. Second Article: the Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs should implement the Order, which becomes effective from 19 November 2017 and it should be published in the Official Gazette.

The Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs announced that Qataris and residents of Qatari who are in Bahrain should visit the NPRA to correct their legal status.